It Starts Today

The Soul of a Woman

2014-02-01T18:31:00.001-06:00

Life is not a "collectible"

2014-01-05T11:21:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of people who “collect” things. Barbie© dolls, Hot Wheels © cars, and baseball cards to name a few. I have seen something on TV where people had the biggest board game collection and the most Pez© dispensers in the world. How many of us can have something so exciting and never open the box? We have it, but it sits on a shelf and collects dust. We may look at it from time to time, but we never use it as it was intended. Some days, it may catch our eye and we wonder the same thing every time…is it less valuable because we take it out of the box? But because we are afraid of it losing it’s value, we don’t touch it. We admit we have it, but that is as far as it goes. Guess what…life is not a “collectible”. Life is not meant to sit on a shelf and collect dust. It is not meant to be admired from inside some cellophane wrap in a shiny cardboard box. But how many of us have “collected” life? As much as I would like to admit that I haven’t, I have. I was careful, cautious girl. I sat on the shelf as life passed me by, never thinking that I had any other choice. Now, I know better. Now, there is NO way I am going back on that shelf! Today is a significant day for me as this day marks the 4th anniversary of the day my life changed forever. In some ways, it seems not that long ago but in other ways, I cannot believe all that has happened to me in 4 years. I have been pushed further than I ever thought I could go. Walls that I had spent a lifetime building are still there, but are much smaller. Running has taken on a whole new meaning. I have become stronger because of adversity. People have come into my life that have given me such joy that I am so glad I didn’t miss those moments. I believe in chances and second chances. There is nothing worse than living with regrets, so I have chosen to open the “box” of life and get in the game. Are you sitting on a shelf, wasting the time you have been given? WHY??? Instead of you collecting things that never get used, you have become to be the “collected.” Your life is not meant to be wasted in that way. Do you know how many people who wish for another day to do what they didn’t get a chance to do? Just ONE more day? We are meant to grow and to change. Time is precious and we must not waste it. Don’t sit on a shelf any longer. Wipe off the dust you have collected. Today, the new beginning of your life starts today. Four years ago, it did for me. I just never knew it. Now you know that it can happen for you too. Just remember, “Today is Your Day” by Shania Twain Michelle A. Homme 2013 ©

NEW WEBSITE & BLOG

2013-11-24T22:17:00.001-06:00

I update my blog postings at www.constantchangetoday.com. You can also find my book on amazon.com and kindle. Check it out!

2013-09-28T15:37:00.001-05:00

REMEMBER....To stay connected and up to date on the most current postings, go to my new website...www.constantchangetoday.com. You can also find me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ItStartsToday?ref=hl I am also on Twitter -- @ItStartsToday Changing your life starts with one step...

"It's Time: Changing Your Life Starts Today" is published!!

2013-09-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

My first book is now available!! Click here

Do not take...

2013-09-28T15:28:00.000-05:00

The question

2013-07-07T17:18:00.000-05:00

I think about this every day before I go to bed...

No words say much

2012-12-22T15:14:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, the best way to communicate with someone else is not with words. It is with a hand signal, a smile, or (my favorite) a good hug. One of my new favorites is when I can "wink" at someone, but not in a flirtatious way -- more like in a "I got your back" or "I am always here" kind of way. Today, I was blessed to receive several of these non-verbal commitments. We also communicated with "numbered hand signals" just before I walked out, and in those few stolen moments of time that I was graciously given, I smiled all the way to my car. My heart was full of the love and friendship I had freely given as my heart also received the same in return. Words were also shared that reconnected us in so many ways that I feel like I am still being embraced by the arms that held me just a few shorts hours ago. Has this ever happened to you? When you sit back later and reflect on what just happened, hoping it wasn't a dream or a figment of your imagination? Perhaps the same can be said on her side as well. In fact, I would bet that she was feeling the same and hope that in a small way, I made her day better. How many words can you say without uttering one sound from your lips? Can you give someone a thumbs up when they are uncertain about something? Is looking at someone in complete silence worth the memory of just being with them? And that you both CHOOSE to be together? Have you smiled at someone who you don't know, just to receive one back? Is a friendly gesture with a wave to someone to let them move ahead of you through the long line of cars say something? Of course it does! Many times, it is ALL there is to say! I love to write and everyone knows I love to talk, but my absolute favorites are where words are never shared. When my only choice is to feel connected, even if ever so briefly, never knowing when it will be felt again but always hoping it will come soon. Through the tearing up then and the tearing up now, we know one thing because that is all that matters. “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou. I will never forget the words that we shared, and I will always remember how the lack of words made me feel today. Simply, priceless. Michelle Homme 2012 ©

Here we go!!!

2012-11-05T06:57:00.000-06:00

I know I have not written on this blog for some time, but wanted to spend a minute or two updating you all and letting you know that I am still here. For my most current posts, visit www.constantchangetoday.com where you can follow me on Twitter (@ItStartsToday), "like" Constant Change on Facebook, or be a followers to receive the posts directly to your email address. BIG NEWS!! I am writing my first book which I will have done by the end of November. I will edit it in the following months, along with the help of some others. I am a little nervous about it, but am sure that this is my next step. And how are you? Have you taken those steps to change your life? Don't be afraid -- don't let anyone tell you it's impossible -- don't ever give up. Wishing you all the best and hope to see you soon!

Constant Change Today

2012-05-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

My life keeps changing for the good and I hope you all are still continuing to change your life. I don't usually update at this blog, because I now only update only at and you can also follow me on Facebook (Constant Change) and on Twitter (@ItStartsToday) Your life is wonderful if you choose to see it that way and we are only here for a short time. How do you want to be remembered? What do you want people to say about you, when you are not around? Can you give more? Do you love enough? Keep asking yourself what makes you happy so that your dreams can come true. Even if it takes years, never give up. Be grateful for what you have and humble enough to accept that which is given to you. You are Constantly Changing!

Still here

2012-03-31T09:50:00.002-05:00

Some of you still come to this website, but I would encourage you to come see me at www.constantchangetoday.com where I now post my blog. Everything that is here has been transferred over, but it looks a little nicer and carries my other messages about my Life Coaching for Women and Motivational Speaking for Teenagers. Things are still progressing as I would expect them to and I am taking new steps to expand what I am doing to be bigger and better. There is no stopping me now, and I am very excited about it all. If I only had the time....I hope you are all well. Again, please go to www.constantchangetoday.com to get caught up on the exciting news!!! Have a great day!!!

Change of location!!! - MUST READ!!

2012-01-09T05:42:00.000-06:00

As of today, I have moved my blog to a new location and will no longer be updating posts here. Please visit www.constantchangetoday.com as I have now incorporated my website and my blog into one location to make it easier for everyone. I could not have done this without the help of CH, and I owe him much more than a Starbucks coffee!! I still have lots to share and look forward to seeing you all at WWW.CONSTANTCHANGETODAY.COM

Planting the seed

2012-01-07T15:48:00.000-06:00

I love to plant the seed and walk away. Not the seeds in the garden, but the seeds in your soul and heart. I have been asked before why I do not have a different vocation that would make me more involved with the people that come into my office and I love not being that involved. Not to say I do not care, that is not what I mean. I mean, I love to plant the seed. I am reminded of my first meeting with CR and the 15 minutes I spent talking to her one night as her mom and Rocky sat close by. You never know when something you say or did will come back as a memory that gets passed along in another way to someone else or that it will actually find its way back to you. Nothing makes my heart soar more than knowing that I was able to help someone else. When you how you handle yourself in a difficult situation or you show how much you love what you do, people notice. They can't help it. People are watching when we think they aren't. Sometimes I am reminded of how a few simple words, even if it is, "What did you learn in school today?" can tell a teenager that you care. We all can plants seeds, if we make the attempt. But you have to try and it has to be deliberate. Seeds don't get planted by chance. They can grow even in dark places where there seems to be no hope. But the seed will not grow if it has not been planted. It stays forever a seed, hidden away, with unfulfilled potential all wrapped up in a neat little package. But have you ever seen a seed grow? It doesn't matter if it is an apple seed or a walnut tree seed...they all grow into their full potential when given the chance to be planted. What seeds do you hold that need to be planted? Where are you going to plant them? Remember that you need to share them with everyone...do not prejudge who should receive the seed and who should not. Even if you plant the seed in a place where you think it has no chance of growing, miracles happen all the time. Seeds are meant to grow...plant your seeds and make some grow into their full potential.

When does it start?

2012-01-07T15:35:00.000-06:00

I met a friend for lunch today and she brought her daughter who I had never met before so it was good for me to meet her as well as I loved catching up with CS. Her daughter loves to play basketball, but she doesn't play anymore. I asked her why not, and even though she wouldn't tell me, I drove away wondering, "Is that when it starts?" When we allow others to dictate what we do. When we start to overthink about how it looks to others. When we believe more about what others think than what we think. When are we going to be strong enough to start ignoring all the mumbo jumbo that gets thrown at us every day? When? Does it start when you are 10 and have no idea what life is really like? How many of us would love to know what we know now, but go back and use that knowledge to maybe change some things we wish we could have done differently? I was given a wonderful book for my birthday from Rocky this past year and it's about women who wrote themselves a letter at a particularly difficult time in their life, based on what they learned from going through that experience. I have often thought about completing an exercise similar to that, but not sure what event was so pivotal in my life that a letter would make a difference. I have learned a lot about why I am the way I am and cannot think of one single thing that happened when I can recollect when my life took a dramatic turn. Let's assume that we may never know when we stop believing in ourselves and allow others dictate what we do next. Does it even have to start? No, it doesn't. That is why the G.I.F.T. exists...because we don't want it to start. One member, SM has a daughter and she is trying to teach her not to be afraid of life, regardless of what life shows you. What is we encouraged this generation of pre-teens, teens, and young women to never have fear and to always show their MOXIE? When you have one woman who refuses to back down from prejudice and taunts made by others. Courage comes in many forms and in many ways. It means being strong when you feel your knees getting ready to buckle. It means smiling when you know the tears are just ready to fall. It means believing more in yourself regardless of what is said about you. It means it doesn't have to start, but needs to end. Most of the time, I say "It Starts Today", but in this case I will say, "It ends today."

Dare to be you

2012-01-06T06:03:00.001-06:00

That is the hardest assignment we will ever have. No tests in school, no reviews, and no study hall can ever prepare us to accept this assignment. We also have to appreciate that we are going to fail when we get side-tracked and let our attentions be swayed by others' thoughts and/or actions. You will find great success in simply being you. I have never really had the courage before now to be me. I mean, really allowed my heart to soar and let it guide me. I think I was afraid that others wouldn't like me and I wanted to be accepted. But when I stopped caring about what others think (to an extent), I also in turn shut them all out. Sometimes being us is all we know...it is what makes us unique and special. I have a co-worker who is nervous about doing something new and letting others see her for the beautiful woman she is inside. She anticipates the worst scenario and is holding on to that bar on the rollercoaster with both hands, white-knuckles, and probably half-leaning over the side, just in case she needs to be sick. We all feel like that from time to time, but I need help her see that she can still have control over how she interacts with those around her. She can control her thoughts. I know I was not someone who took a lot of risks and still don't. I don't like the way it makes me feel. But I have learned to not be so afraid of things anymore. Part of being you means allowing others in and exploring what your life could be. It means that people will gravitate to you because of what they see and know about you, not because of what they guess about you. You will experience joy like never before, even if you can't explain why. I was NEVER vulnerable in front of others and kept it all bottled up inside. Now, I can cry at three words just said, and I have broken down in front of others, not caring that I did so. We all deserve you...all of you...and that is the gift you were blessed to give the rest of us. When you tell yourself, "I can't do that" - ask yourself, "Why not?", Who says you can't? Why can't you? Don't sell yourself short before you have had a chance to sell it to TO yourself. Dare to be you...it is all you ever need and is an easier assignment than you think. You cannot fail at something you were born to do. Don't let fear dictate who I see in you...dare to be you.

Little things...

2012-01-06T05:48:00.001-06:00

About six months ago, I gave a recent college graduate a little book that I thought would inspire her to "Live Happy" as she embraced this new part of her life. I wanted it to be a reminder that living happy (or sad) is a choice and that she ultimately had control over how she chose to live. Yesterday, with this community being as small as it is, I was reminded that a co-worker has a connection to the young woman I gave it to and it was suggested that the co-worker's son read it. Now, the co-worker had seen my outer transformation and I had told her the story of "Rocky and me". Kitty...the real story is so much more boring than everyone perceives it to be, which I find kind of funny. Sorry...got off task for a moment. I stood there as this was unfolded to me, and I had forgotten about the book I had given SH months ago. I had hoped she read it and also gave her some CD's that I had hoped would inspire her too, but then to hear that she is giving it to someone else to read made me smile. Little things that we do or say can stick with someone and then you hear about the impact that those things had on someone else's life can take your breath away. I know it does to me. Little things don't have to cost you a thing and don't take a great deal of time...they are something so minute that someone may never notice anyway. But someday, it will come back to you and in ways you never would have guessed. Introduce yourself to someone new at work...pick up a piece of trash on the floor...actions and words inspire others to do the same. It becomes a virus that can spread and then when it covers most of this world, we can all say it started with just a "little thing>"

Be amazing!

2012-01-05T07:30:00.000-06:00

When you read those two words, what do you think? Some people will think that they have to do something extraordinary or that someone else needs to notice some act or words before YOU accept that you can be amazing with so little effort. Here is the secret to being amazing....just be YOU!!! I was sent a little "angel" via an email from GZ and she thanked me for being an "angel" in her life. Now, you may ask, "Why are you an angel?" Well, I can tell you that I have never sat with her in the emergency room (I would), I haven't saved her when her car ran out of gas (I have done that for another friend); we have never even been to lunch yet together. I do give her a hug every time I see her and thanked her yesterday for sharing herself and and her smile with me every day. As I think of another amazing woman in my life, my eyes are tearing up and I am not even sure why. She would know why. Open the door for someone...think of others before you think of yourself...give with your whole heart...share deeply...love unconditionally. I have many people in my life who can be less than amazing and then I am so ever grateful for those that make my life so much more wonderful. Amazing is something that any one of us can be, and it is not how we see ourselves...it is how others see us. If we are given such a compliment as, "You are simply amazing!", we need to take it. Take it with humbleness and with honor...those words are not just said to say them. They are said with conviction and pride and I am so very blessed to know amazing people who share their lives with me every day. My beautiful, gracious sisters are not just my sisters but also my friends and I treasure them and miss them more than they ever know. Your task for today, should you choose to accept it (LOL), is to be amazing by being you. Notice others and let them know that they amaze you. You might make their day and you will smile too.

Can't wish for what you want

2012-01-04T05:59:00.001-06:00

You can't hope for it, either. Doing all the wishing and hoping doesn't get you any closer to what you want...it can leave you empty. Only if you let it. What do you want? What are you willing to do to get there? Are you willing to take night classes for two years so you can get your degree and move onto a better job? Are you willing to take a second job to pay for your daughter's dance classes? Are you willing to allow yourself to want something different? I was talking with LP yesterday at work and when people say they want something, they are afraid to admit it outloud for several reasons. One, they are afraid they will be wrong...no one likes to fail, espeically in front of others. I know I am guilty of that one. Second, they don't want to be accountable to anyone...someone might actually encourage them to make a change and that can be frightening. Third, they are afraid to commit...what happens if I change my mind? Today is a special day for me...today is the 2nd anniversary of when my life took a hard left to some place I did not know I was going and have been traveling this road ever since. I did not see my life as being here, right now, when I got up on January 4th, 2010. It was going to be like any other day, or so I thought. Needless to say, I am not in the same place I was, nor am I the same person. In two years, I have allowed my heart to feel like never before and have set aside the walls I had spent a lifetime building. I have given more than I ever thought I could. I have dedicated to people that I am truly grateful to have in my life and use Rule 22 as a guide in telling them what they mean to me. I have used the words I know to share ideas, thoughts, and perspectives on this blog as it has become an online journal of life as we know it. No, I could never have wished for this, but I am humbled that He had to show it to me and I had to trust it before I would fully understand that this is indeed what I want. Thank you.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:18:00.001-06:00

As we embrace this new year and all of its ventures yet unlived and views yet unseen, we take time to also reflect on where we have just come. 2011 was full of wonderful memories, precious times, and people that I love. I treasure every snapshot I can recollect and will always treasure my yesterdays. Some memories make me laugh and giggle, and others bring tears - both happy and sad. I had to live the experiences in 2011 so that I could get to 2012 and be ready for all that has in store for me. I know not where I am headed, but with my hands held high and loved ones around me, I have no doubt that it will be another fabulous year. I am sure it will be full of stumbles I will take, runs I will make, and people I will not forsake. I expect to fully "embrace this journey" and learn as much about being "my best self" to this life I have been given. Won't you join me? Happy New Year.

The winds of life

2012-01-01T15:59:00.002-06:00

Today was the first day in about a month that I went out for my walk. I know, I am not at my running pace, but I needed to get outside and enjoy the sun. But as I was walking more normal route, I encountered the winds. But I found that the winds reminded me of life. At times, the winds seem to be still, as I just kept my pace with everything else with no real effort on my part as I traveled the hard asphalt underneath the rubber soles laced on my feet. Other times, I found myself almost being carried by the winds, as it gently allowed me to rise above the ground I was firmly planted on and float. Then, it felt as if I was walking right into a brick wall, moving forward meant taking a step back and forging ahead. Those winds reminded me of life. It seemeed like just when I thought I knew the winds were coming out of the south, something would hit me from the north. Life is like the winds...it gives us calmness and a status quo when things are moving along normally, with no real big events either good or bad. We sometimes feel like we are flying, like no one can take the wind of our our sails because we are riding on excitement and are loving the ride. Then, there are the struggles, the hardships, and the moments of pain that feel like we are unable to move forward. We get stuck and shut people out because doing what's easy becomes our focus. Life is like the winds I encountered today...changing at the drop of a hat, never really telling me what is just around the corner. The winds are something you feel, so you they are there, but you can use them to make life what it is...an adventure. Love the winds!

Ignite!

2012-01-01T15:44:00.002-06:00

We have all seen something catch fire, to become totally engulfed, and then become tiny particles of ash. But, my most fsavorite part is just to see something being ignited....to see just the spark to get its life at the starting gate. When you know that going back is not an option. I love to see it in little flare ups, when no one is looking, but I notice. When some else's life can be different because of some deed done or words said. It all matters. My dad sent me a video this week that reminds me of the way we can ignite something in others, but words we say. I am sure that you will love this video as much as I do... http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Hzgzim5m7oU&vq=medium Now, after watching that, how does that makes you feel? That taking just a few moments of your time can change EVERYTHING for someone else, without expecting anything in return. I have seen the sun shine in my office and I have seen people be more than they ever thought they could be because of the desire to be more. We all need a little encouragement...something to get us thinking, something to get us feeling, something to get us living again. Ignite courage in others so they don't have to live in fear...ignite strength in others so they forget their weaknesses...ignite the soul so that the head knows it no longer leads...ignite the role you were meant to play...ignite the Army of One to allow others to follow...ignite the light so others may see...ignite!

Where you don't belong

2011-12-31T09:46:00.002-06:00

Have you ever felt uncomfortable when you were some place and you knew you shouldn't be there or not sure if it mattered if you were there? I am sure we all have. I remember going to a then-friend's son's graduation party and feeling like everyone had their eyes on me and I couldn't wait to get out of there after saying my polite "congratulations" and drop off my card. Do we take obligations like that and go just because we were invited, even if you know you shouldn't go? I know I have felt uncomfortable attending a "spa" party that was given last spring. In fact, the turning of magazine pages were a reminder to keep my attitude in check, but I was not comfortable. It was out of my league and I did not want to feel dumb. Everyone else was going to love the "foot massage" and "mini facial" and I wanted to just bee-line to the door as fast as I could. But, I stayed enjoyed it the best I could and knew it would not be something I would probably do again anytime soon. We all have some dysfunction in our lives, and even when we think no one else has it like us, we still find a way to get through it. Even when it is uncomfortable and people say mean things that really don't need to be said. Are you some place that you know you don't belong? You know it when you feel it, don't you? Here is the interesting part...you know it when you are some place where you belong, too, don't you? Yes, you feel that too.

Never too late

2011-12-31T09:45:00.003-06:00

I have to believe that there are some situations where it is never too late. I tell people to never give up and you only believe to never give up if you also believe first that it is not too late. There is one situation that I am dealing with now that I tell myself every day that it's never too late. I have to believe that and will always believe that until I am told otherwise. When I am told that I can never fix it, that I can never be forgiven, that it can never go back to the way it was before. Those words may never be said, but every day I live as if the wrong I did never happened, but still try to make it up inside my heart. That is the hardest part of all. Is it ever too late? I believe it is only too late when we start living with regrets or have passed on from this world. I have not been very good about exercising this holiday weekend and at this time of year, people make resolutions that usually include eating better, exercising more, giving more, etc. You know...the list goes on with slightly different words, but the intent is the same. You know it and I know it. Then, what happens if we miss a day here or there...we give up and say it's too late. Why do we give up so easily? Because you miss one day, that doesn't mean you throw the other 364 days out too! It just means you missed one day. That's it. One day. It's still not too late. I never thought I would have the body I do now, and even Rocky didn't think I would become what I have because of that one day at lunch in April of 2010. I know I surprised myself as much as I surprised her. This year, I will again focus again on staying fit in a couple of different ways and look forward to the challenges that I expect to encounter along the way. I want to define myself in ways that will bring joy to this world and am not willing to concede that it's too late. For any of us. Don't ever believe that either.

When you transform

2011-12-31T09:45:00.001-06:00

At Thursday night's meeting of the G.I.F.T., I was talking about reflection and asking the women if 2011 went the way they thought it would. I mention that I change every day and my co-worker, DM, mentioned to the group that, "Homme has changed a lot" and she has known me for over 4 years, so she has probably seen me change quite a bit. I have transforme and continue to each and every day. I never know what the new day will bring to me but I have to embrace each word said, each deed completed, and each person met as they all serve some significance in my life. Sometimes, I do not know what their meaning is at the time that I encounter them, but at some point, I will understand and know. Have you ever transformed or seen someone else transform? People have not only seen my attitude towards life change, but also noticed when my body changed with daily exercise. Sometimes, out changes are so suttle that we think no one will ever notice. I love that...not being noticed and have tried to blend into the background for most of my life. Even when I knew I couldn't, I felt uncomfortable for the attention that came my way. When I see others transform, that is one of my greatest joys. Not because I may or may not have had anything to do with it, but when they transform for good and the light seems to go on. I told SM the other day that she was the best and she replied that she is getting better. She is trying to be better, even if no one notices. SM - I notice. We all change for reasons and need to make sure that we notice those around us that we care about and love. Take the time to mention the changes you see...you may be the one person who pays attention that makes all the difference.

What's your word?

2011-12-31T09:43:00.001-06:00

Is there a word that would describe you? I think at any given moment, we have a feeling that would describe us. Maybe not the only word, but one that just pops into our head. Usually, we can find an emotion that will describe how we feel during a particular event. Also, we would all associate that same feeling with a similar type event had we been experiencing it as well. So, as you read this, what is your word? For me, sometimes it is difficult to pick just one. Right now, I think it would be determined. I have made new and exciting things happen to me over the last two years and I am determined to see all of that new knowledge be used to make me and my life better. Perhaps in doing so, it allows others to do the same. I never know where this road will take me and I have to allow the heart to lead. My word will change probably in ten minutes, but right now, I am focused on the tasks yet before me that include something very new and exciting that I will begin this weekend. Believe me, I couldn't understand why this new idea came to me when it did and I had to share with a few people who also became excited with me. Every once in a while we get so caught up in the daily grind of work, family, responsibilites, life, etc that we forget to stop and think for one second. Sometimes I don't even get 30 seconds, so I need to make that time. It has to be important to me to know that not doing so doesn't make me more efficient, it makes me less efficient. I am better when I have many things in the fire, but spend a great deal of time tackling each one with great attention, all the time knowing that I gave that task my utmost attention and I didn't do it half-way. I gave it my all. What is your word? Remember, it will change.